Flash FTB-324-2 User manual

Flash Technology, 332 Nichol Mill Lane, Franklin, TN 37067
[phone]
FTB 324-2, FTB 324-2LT
Medium Intensity Obstruction Lighting System
Reference Manual
Part Number 7913242
SERIAL NUMBER

ii Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 FTB 324-2
Front Matter
Abstract
This manual contains information and instructions for installing, operating and maintaining
the FTB 324-2 Medium Intensity Obstruction Lighting System.
Copyright
Copyright © 2010, Flash Technology®, Franklin, TN, 37067, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any portion of this manual is prohibited without
express written permission from Flash Technology and/or its licenser.
Trademark Acknowledgements
Flash Technology® is a registered trademark name.
ElectroFlash™, Flash Tech™, Flash Technology™, FTCA™, Flash™ and the Flash
Technology Logo are all trademarks of Flash Technology.
All trademarks and product names mentioned are properties of their respective companies,
and are recognized and acknowledged as such by Flash Technology.
Applicable Specifications
This equipment meets or exceeds requirements for an FAA Type L-864 and L-865.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is complete,
accurate and up-to-date, Flash Technology assumes no liability for damages resulting from
any errors or omissions in this manual, or from the use of the information contained herein.
Flash Technology reserves the right to revise this manual without obligation to notify any
person or organization of the revision.
In no event will Flash Technology be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages arising out of the use of or the inability to use this manual.
Warranty
Flash Technology warrants all components, under normal operating conditions, for 2 years.
Parts Replacement
The use of parts or components, in this equipment, not manufactured or supplied by Flash
Technology voids the warranty and invalidates the third party testing laboratory certification
which ensures compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars 150/5345-43F, 150/5345-51 and
150/4345-53C. The certification is valid as long as the system is maintained in accordance
with FAA guidelines (FR doc. 04-13718 filed 6-16-04).

FTB 324-2 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 iii
Personnel Hazard Warning
Dangerous Voltages
Dangerous line voltages reside in certain locations in this equipment. Also, this equipment
may generate dangerous voltages. Although FTCA has incorporated every practical safety
precaution, exercise extreme caution at all times when you expose circuits and components,
and when you operate, maintain, or service this equipment.
Avoid Touching Live Circuits
Avoid touching any component or any part of the circuitry while the equipment is operating.
Do not change components or make adjustments inside the equipment with power on.
Dangerous Voltages Can Persist with Power Disconnected
Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages can be present because capacitors can retain
charges even after the power has been disconnected.
Protect yourself — always turn off the input (primary) power and wait for one minute for
storage capacitors to drain their charge. Then, check between the red and blue wires on the
flashhead terminal block with a voltmeter for any residual charge before touching any circuit
element or component.
Do Not Depend on Interlocks
Never depend on interlocks alone to remove unsafe voltages. Always check circuits with a
voltmeter. Under no circumstances remove or alter any safety interlock switch.

iv Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 FTB 324-2
Table of Contents
FTB 324-2, FTB 324-2LT .........................................................................................................i
Front Matter..............................................................................................................................ii
Abstract.................................................................................................................................ii
Copyright ..............................................................................................................................ii
Trademark Acknowledgements............................................................................................ii
Applicable Specifications .....................................................................................................ii
Disclaimer.............................................................................................................................ii
Warranty ...............................................................................................................................ii
Parts Replacement.................................................................................................................ii
Personnel Hazard Warning......................................................................................................iii
Dangerous Voltages.............................................................................................................iii
Avoid Touching Live Circuits.............................................................................................iii
Dangerous Voltages Can Persist with Power Disconnected................................................iii
Do Not Depend on Interlocks..............................................................................................iii
Table of Contents.....................................................................................................................iv
List of Figures..........................................................................................................................vi
List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................vi
Section 1 – Introduction and Operation.................................................................................... 1
System................................................................................................................................... 1
Specifications........................................................................................................................ 1
Physical............................................................................................................................. 1
Performance Characteristics ............................................................................................. 1
Operation............................................................................................................................... 1
Alarm Contacts ..................................................................................................................... 3
Photocell ............................................................................................................................... 3
PCB1 Timing and Trigger Board.......................................................................................... 4
Board Configuration ......................................................................................................... 5
Options Switch.................................................................................................................. 5
RS-232 .............................................................................................................................. 7
RES PEC Jumper.............................................................................................................. 7
Trigger Voltage................................................................................................................. 7
Communication LEDs ...................................................................................................... 7
Status LEDs ...................................................................................................................... 8
RS-485 Setup.................................................................................................................... 8
Internal Red Jumper.......................................................................................................... 8
Optional Modem Card .......................................................................................................... 8
Section 2 - Mounting, and Installation...................................................................................... 9
Unpacking............................................................................................................................. 9
Tools ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Access................................................................................................................................... 9
WARNING....................................................................................................................... 9
Power Converter ................................................................................................................... 9
Flashhead .............................................................................................................................. 9
Mounting............................................................................................................................... 9
Power Converter ............................................................................................................... 9

FTB 324-2 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 v
Flashhead .......................................................................................................................... 9
Photocell ......................................................................................................................... 10
Installation........................................................................................................................... 10
Power Converter Wiring................................................................................................. 10
Flashhead Wiring............................................................................................................ 11
Photocell Wiring............................................................................................................. 11
Installation Checklist ...................................................................................................... 11
Section 3 - Maintenance and Troubleshooting ....................................................................... 23
Safety .................................................................................................................................. 23
Preventive Maintenance...................................................................................................... 23
Storage ................................................................................................................................ 23
Diagnostic Testing.............................................................................................................. 23
Sync Signal Evaluation................................................................................................... 23
RFI Problems.................................................................................................................. 24
Component Testing............................................................................................................. 24
Power Converter ............................................................................................................. 25
Flashhead ........................................................................................................................ 25
Photocell Testing ............................................................................................................ 26
Component Removal and Replacement.............................................................................. 26
Power Converter Components........................................................................................ 26
Flashhead Components................................................................................................... 28
Operational Checkout ......................................................................................................... 29
Manual Override: Fixed Intensities ................................................................................ 31
PCB1 Indicator Lamps.................................................................................................... 31
Standard System.............................................................................................................. 31
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................. 32
Master Unit ..................................................................................................................... 32
Slave Unit........................................................................................................................ 32
Section 4 – Recommended Spare & Replaceable Parts.......................................................... 37
Customer Service................................................................................................................ 37
Ordering Parts..................................................................................................................... 37
Power Converter Parts ........................................................................................................ 37
Flashhead Parts ................................................................................................................... 37
Photocell Parts .................................................................................................................... 37
RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) POLICY............................................. 42

vi Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 FTB 324-2
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 – TB1 Alarm Contacts ............................................................................................ 3
Figure 1-2 – 2903800 Board Configuration.............................................................................. 4
Figure 2-1 – Power Converter Mounting and Outline............................................................ 14
Figure 2-2 – Flashhead Mounting and Outline....................................................................... 15
Figure 2-3 – Photocell Mounting and Outline........................................................................ 16
Figure 2-4 – Typical System Installation................................................................................ 17
Figure 2-5 – Typical Multiple System Installation................................................................. 18
Figure 2-6 – PC 324 Power Converter Internal Wiring (110-120V)...................................... 19
Figure 2-7 – PC 324 Power Converter Internal Wiring (208-240V)...................................... 20
Figure 2-8 – Recommended Alarm Wiring............................................................................ 21
Figure 2-9 – FH 324 Internal Wiring...................................................................................... 22
Figure 4-1 – Power Converter Component Locations............................................................ 39
Figure 4-2 – Flashhead Component Layout............................................................................ 41
List of Tables
Table 1-1 – Model Configurations............................................................................................ 2
Table 1-2 – Alarm Contacts...................................................................................................... 3
Table 1-3 – Options Switch ...................................................................................................... 5
Table 1-4 – RS 485 Address..................................................................................................... 5
Table 1-5 – Marker Switch Setup............................................................................................. 6
Table 1-6 – Status LEDs........................................................................................................... 8
Table 3-1 – Transformer Test Voltages.................................................................................. 25
Table 3-2 – Function Indicators.............................................................................................. 30
Table 3-3 – Unit Troubleshooting Guide................................................................................ 34
Table 3-3 – Unit Troubleshooting Guide Continued.............................................................. 35
Table 3-4 – System Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................... 36
Table 4-1 – Power Converter Major Replaceable Parts.......................................................... 38
Table 4-2 – Flashhead Major Replaceable Parts..................................................................... 40
Table 4-3 – Retrofit Kits and Safety Support Tool................................................................. 40

FTB 324-2 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 1
Section 1 – Introduction
and Operation
System
Each single FTB 324-2 System consists of
an FH 324-3 Flashhead, a PC 324-2 Power
Converter, a PEC 510 Photocell, and a
connecting cable from the power converter
to the flashhead.
The power converter supplies the
controlling circuitry to convert main AC
power to the required voltages for internal
operation and the discharge energy for the
flashhead. It also controls the flash rate.
The photocell senses changes in lighting
conditions from day to night and from
night to day thus signaling the power
converter to change its operation
appropriately. Also, a manual intensity
switch can override the photocell if
required.
NOTE
The Flashhead supplied with an FTB
324-2 System is an FH 324-3. If an older
flashhead is used, please call Flash
Technology for upgrades. See Table 4-3
for Retrofit Kits and Safety Support Tool.
Specifications
Physical
PC 324-2 (H x W x D, Weight)
14.00 x 16.75 x 8.44 in., 51 lbs.
355.6 x 425.5 x 214.4 mm, 23 kg.
FH 324-3 (H x Diameter, Weight)
29.5 x 18.25 in., 28 lbs.
749 x 463 mm, 12.7 kg.
PEC 510 Photocell (H x W x Depth)
3.06 x 2.58 x 1.02 in.
77.7 x 65.5 x 2.59 mm
Aerodynamic Wind Area
Flashhead 2.59 ft2, 0.241 m2
Power Converter 1.63 ft2, 0.15 m2
Environmental
Complies with FAA specifications in
AC 150/5345-43.
Performance Characteristics
Application - L-865 and L-864
Flash Intensity (nominal):
Day (White) 20,000 ± 25% ECD
Night (Red) 2,000 ± 25% ECD
White Backup 2,000 ± 25% ECD
Beam Spread Horizontal: 360º
Vertical: 5º
Flash Rate
Day (White) 40 flashes per min.
Night (Red) 20 flashes per min.
White backup 40 flashes per min.
Electrical (PC 324-2)
AC Voltage 120 or 240V, 60 Hz
110 or 230V, 50 Hz
208-240V 50 Hz
Volt-Amperes 250 peak
Day (White) 130W
Night (Red) 145W
White Backup 55W
Operation
The PC 324 Power Converter operates an
FH 324. It monitors flashhead operation
and signals an alarm if a failure occurs.
The flashhead begins to operate as soon as
power is applied. A photocell controls
intensity for the system.
In daylight, lights flash white at a rate of
40 flashes per minute (FPM) at an
intensity of 20,000 candelas. At night the
light flashes red at a rate of 20 FPM at an
intensity of 2,000 candelas.
Obstructions over 350 feet above ground
level require several interconnected PC
324 power converters (typically three)
operating the corresponding number of
flashheads. A master/slave control line
(two-wire) at terminals TB1-4 and TB1-5
at the front panel interconnects the units.
A sync pulse on the line flashes all the
lights in unison and at the same rate.

2 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 FTB 324-2
Table 1-1 – Model Configurations
Models Lights Operation
324-2E, 324-2LT L-865 White (40 FPM)
L-864 Red (20 FPM)
L-810 Incandescent Markers
White During Daylight
Red During Night
324-2L, 324-2EL, 324-2LTL L-865 White (40 FPM)
L-864 Red (20 FPM)
L-810 Standard LED Markers
White During Daylight
Red During Night
324-2M, 324-2EM, 324-2LTM L-865 White (40 FPM)
L-864 Red (20 FPM)
L-810 6.8W LED Markers
White During Daylight
Red During Night
Note:
1. The “E” option shown above denotes the addition of the optional modem card for remote
diagnostics and monitoring.
2. The 324-2LT operates in the same manner as the 342-2 but several common features are
not available.
•The relay outputs are limited to Red Alarm, White Alarm and Marker Alarm.
Photocell failure is also monitored and will trigger either the Red or White Alarm
depending on mode.
•Eagle monitoring is not available. This includes the RS-232 used for Tech Eagle, the
RS-485 used to interface to the FTM-5000 or FTW-172, and the modem expansion
port.
•To upgrade the system to provide the additional relay contacts or to take advantage of
Eagle diagnostics, please contact Flash Technology to purchase a 2903800 timing and
trigger board.

FTB 324-2 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 3
Alarm Contacts
3
TB1
1
2
BLK WHT
PHOTOCELL
4
5INTERCONNECT
MASTER/SLAVE
WHT
BLK
NIGHT
AUTO
DAY
INTENSITY SELECT OUTPUT ALARM CONTACTS
CONTACTS SHOWN IN
NORMAL OPERATING STATE
(NO ALARMS OR ERRORS)
ALARM WHITE
9
COM
6 8
7
10
11
12
13
14 15
16
17
18
PEC ERROR
NIGHT MODE
DAY MODE COMMON
COM RED
ALARM
DAY NIGHT
INTENSITY ERROR
Figure 1-1 – TB1 Alarm Contacts
NOTE: 324LT systems do not have relay contacts TB1-12, TB1-13, TB1-15 or TB1-16.
Table 1-2 – Alarm Contacts
Contact Indication
White Alarm Combination of Day Intensity and Photocell Errors.
Red Alarm Combination of Night Intensity and Photocell Errors.
Day Intensity Error Incorrect day intensity.
Night Intensity Error Incorrect night intensity.
Photocell Error Photocell alarm. The PEC failed to transition within 19 hours.
Day Mode Day mode operation.
Night Mode Night mode operation.
Note: 324LT systems do not have intensity error or mode contacts.
Photocell
The photocell changes resistance as ambient light changes from day to night or from night to
day. The Timing and Trigger Board (PCB1) in the master power converter then converts the
changes into the necessary circuit operation to flash the lights at the appropriate intensity for
day or night operation.

4 Revision 8 – 2-12-2010 FTB 324-2
PCB1 Timing and Trigger Board
PCB1 controls and monitors the operation of the PC 324. Status indicators and setup options
are shown below.
Figure 1-2 – 2903800 Board Configuration